Structural members

ABSTRACT

In construction, there currently exist few basic structural members, and few developments of metal load-bearing structures having structural connections with no welding or drilling. The present invention is a new innovative approach to the making of metal structural supports that is more economical, is more time efficient, and provides more strength and rigidity. The recommended design can be used in areas where strong rigid structural members are needed and comes in a variety of sizes, strengths, and weights. It is most suitable for construction purposes but has application in many manufacturing areas where weight, strength, and ease of assembly are desired.

[0001] The present invention relates to metal structural members, particularly beams and other similar members used in construction. The structural member can be used in areas where strong rigid structural members are needed. The structural member may be made in a variety of sizes, strengths, and weights. In construction, there exist few basic structural members, and few developments of metal load-bearing structures having structural connections with no welding or drilling.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The present design relates to U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,567. Finite computer programs have determined a technical problem involving the calculations for strength, in regard to density of the folded elongated triangular columnar member. The inventor is attempting to correct this problem, as strengthening is primarily achieved through precipitation strengthening in the material compound. The desire is to achieve maximum strength while allowing formability and to increase structural integrity with innovative structural supports, braces, joining clamps of varied designs. Precipitation strengthening will negate any welding or drilling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The structural member is comprised of four elongated rectangular sheets, each sheet having a long edge and a short edge, and joined by its long edge to the three other sheets. The two joined center sheets have a series of semi-ellipsoid indentations formed parallel to its long axis. The said sheets when folded form an elongated triangular columnar member with the semi ellipsoid indentations extending into the triangular member. The two outside elongated rectangular sheets are preformed before folding into the triangular columnar. Said sheets are restrained by a solid rod extending at the center, through the member. The semi-ellipsoid indentations also support and restrain the member. The resulting structural member has rigidity in a direction perpendicular or parallel to its long axis, but has torsional flexibility around its axis. The member may also include three stabilizing rods extending axially through the member.

[0004] The structural member is comprised of four elongated rectangular sheets, each sheet having a long edge and a short edge, and joined by its long edge to the three other sheets. The two joined center sheets have a series of semi-ellipsoid indentations extending into the triangular member, wherein some said semi-ellipsoid indentations are omitted, and incorporated therein a lance restraining device. The two outside elongated rectangular sheets are preformed before folding into the triangular columnar, said sheets are restrained by a solid rod extending at the center through the member. The semi-ellipsoid indentations also support and restrain the member. The resulting structural member has rigidity in a direction perpendicular or parallel to its long axis, but has torsional flexibility around its axis. The member may also include three stabilizing rods extending axially through the member. Wherein said rods comprise a material selected from the group consisting of graphite fiber and high tensile strength steel. Wherein said structural member is made of high tensile strength steel or graphite composite material. The structural members are assembled with a no weld clamping system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure member after forming according to the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a structure member in a partially unfolded position according to the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a structure member in a fully unfolded position according to the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 4 is an end view of a structural member according to the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectioned view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3 of a structural member according to the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectioned view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 2, when the present invention is in a fully folded position according to the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 2, of an alternative embodiment of a structural member according to the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectioned folded view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 2, of an alternative embodiment showing three stabilizing rods, with internal inserts crimped into structural member 10, in a prestressed condition according to the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 9 is an end view of a folded alternative embodiment showing three stabilizing rods with attached internal inserts crimped into structural member 10, and said structural member is designed to assemble one or two sheets therein and be supported in place by the preformed rolled in rectangular sheets 12, 18. Said structural assembly to be restrained by a joining clamp designed to facilitate the said assembly (is not shown).

[0014]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a right hand joining clamp in a fully unfolded position according to the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 11 is a plan view of a left hand joining clamp in a fully unfolded position according to the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 12 is a side view of two structural members 10 joined, within a fully assembled joining clamp according to the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 13 is a top view of a left and right hand joining clamp according to the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 14 is an end view of a folded alternative embodiment of a structural member 10 retained and supported by a joining clamp, designed for non weld assembly, and a concentrated stud contained therein used to attach braces thereto.

[0019]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative cylinder clamp in a partial assembled position according to the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 16 is a view of an alternate position of a structural member 10, in a completely assembled position, view along line 45-45 of FIG. 15.

[0021]FIG. 17 is an alternative embodiment of structural member 10. Wherein two support members are joined with an internal insert.

[0022]FIG. 18 are views of a cylinder rescue, safety support assembly in an unlocked position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now to the figures, structural member 10, comprises four elongated rectangular sides 12, 14, 16, 18. Planar sides 14, 16, each includes a series of semi-ellipsoidal indentations 38, 39, in an arrangement which can be seen from FIG. 3. Indentations 38, 39, form an ellipse where it meets the surface of sides 14, 16. The cross-section of semi-ellipsoidal indentation 39, taken in a plane perpendicular to the long axis 34 of the structural member 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. However, the size of the indentations 38, 39, and the size of the structural member 10 dictates the size and shape of the cross-section of indentations 38, 39. The outside tangent point of the semi-ellipsoidal indentations 38, 39, may have an embossed surface. The design purpose is to restrict torsional flexibility of the rolled in sides 12, 18, of the structural member 10, and aid the insertion of the center stabilizing rod 36, as seen in FIG. 6.

[0024] Structural member 10 may be made in an open configuration as shown in FIG. 3, prior to roll forming sides 12, 14, 16, 18, along crease lines 13, 15, 17, to form a triangular structural member 10. The ellipsoidal indentations 38, 39, as viewed in FIG. 3 are arranged along a single line 34, running parallel to the length of the structural member 10. The ellipsoidal indentations 38 are offset in a plane perpendicular along the axis of left hand sheet 16, by one half the center distance of ellipsoidal indentations 39 as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the center of the first formed ellipsoid of side 16 begins and ends on the outside edge of the said structural member 10 as viewed in FIG. 3. The ellipsoidal indentations 38, 39, also lend rigidity to sides 14, 16 by interrupting the planar face of the sheet as viewed in FIG. 3.

[0025] The structural member 10 may be manufactured in several different ways. Die stamping a continuous sheet of metal with the semi ellipsoid indentations 38, 39, can be used to form sheets as viewed in FIG. 3, which can then be rolled on form lines 13, 15, 17, to form a triangular structural member 10. Desired manufactured process of continual sheets as viewed in FIG. 3, are formed by spray depositing droplets of steel onto a moving ceramic form, the sheets are formed to the thickness required and rolled formed into a triangular structural member 10. Alternative configurations of structure member 10 are viewed in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 17. The stabilizing rods 36 add stiffness and strength to the structure member 10. And the rods may be made of steel or carbon fiber. They may be crimped or clamped in place, after stress bending of the structure member 10 as viewed in FIGS. 6, 8, 9. A fully folded alternative structural member 10 is shown in FIG. 7. This cross-sectioned view taken along line 6-6 FIG. 3, demonstrates the embossed tangent point of the semi-ellipsoidal indentation 38, 39 restraining the folded in sheets 12 and 18, wherein said sheets demonstrate an alternative convex, concave restraining design. The structural member 10, as viewed in FIG. 9 wherein the two outside sheets may have the elongated preformed curved surfaces 12, 18 shortened and said sheets have a ball shape embossed long edge. The design of a locking ball lance at the junctures of the prefabricated section 50, containing said members under compression between ellipsoids 38, 39 and outside curved sheets 12, 18 and said design restricts four way movement of prefabricated section 50.

[0026] Referring now to the elongated triangular joining clamp FIG. 14, the cylinder clamp and inspection assembly FIG. 15, the safety support and rescue clamp assembly FIG. 17. The said referred to ergonomic designs 14, 15, 17 provide a safe method of construction, as welding structure will result in dangerous stress fractures.

[0027] An elongated triangular joining clamp FIG. 14, comprised of two elongated rectangular planar sheets as viewed in FIGS. 10, 11, each sheet having a long edge and a short edge. The said sheets when fully folded comprise an elongated triangular clamp. The said sheets are referred to as left hand FIG. 11 and right hand FIG. 10 joining clamp members. The two said sheets are comprised of three elongated rectangular sheets [20, 22, 23] [24, 25, 26] each sheet having a long edge and a short edge as viewed in FIGS. 10, 11.

[0028] The long edges of the top elongated rectangular sheets 23, 24, formed to a sixty degree triangle have a plurality of cylinder forms, said forms are positioned to mate, when the short edges are aligned. The cylinder design 28, 29 allows a locking pin 41 to be inserted. Thus restricting forces attempting to separate the joining clamp. The two said sheets 23, 24 have a plurality of semi-ellipsoid indentations extending into said triangle FIG. 14. The location and depth of said indentations 30, 40, are used to position the joining clamp FIG. 14 on the structural member 10. Thus the left and right hang joining clamps cannot be reversed. The two joined parallel elongated rectangular sheets 20, 27 contain a ball shaped form 21, 26; centerly located with a thru hole 37, as viewed in FIGS. 10, 11, 14. This ball shaped form and thru hole retain a locking pin 37, as viewed in FIG. 14.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, these clamp members may be made in an open configuration in a progressive die, or a straight-line die operations. The planar sides 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 are formed along crease lines 35. The semi-ellipsoidal indentations 30 FIG. 10 and 40 FIG. 11 orientate the structural members 10 to be joined. The depth of the indentations 30, 40 and matching shapes 38, 39, are designed to control expansion and contraction of the joined structural members 10. The clamp assembly as viewed in FIGS. 12, 13, 14 may be located at predetermined locations on the structural members 10 and support braces can be attached to the ball shaped embossed surfaces 21, 16. Two or more braces may be locked in place by the extended stud 37. Thru holes 36, are to orientate the braces at various angles to the structural members 10. Many alternative configurations of this clamp design are possible with angles from 0° to 360°, thus intricate lattice members may be formed in a space structure, which is built up over box-shaped modules. And said indentations 30, 40, may be a convex ball shaped in form to facilitate a threaded ball insert. The design purposes is added braces in the space structure.

[0030] Referring now to the cylinder clamp and inspection assembly 48 FIG. 15. The design may be used a hand held quality control inspection tool. Refer to FIG. 16, note center line locations. The tool will measure the outside diameter or apexes, straightness of structural member 10, depth and center location of the semi-ellipsoid indentations 38, 39. A structural member 10 is oriented as to the same side, inserted in cylinder 42, two or more steel retainers 44 are installed in the elongated rectangular slots 46, and cylinder 43, is advanced, locking steel retainers, and structural member 10 in place as viewed in FIG. 16. Cylinder 43 is aligned and rotated to a desired location. Cylinders 42, 43 outside edges are aligned and locked in place. The steel retainer 44 has an eccentric thru hole, the diameter of this hole designates the outside dimension of steel retainer 44. These varied outside dimensions allow the structural member 10 to expand or contract within cylinder member 42. Standard outside dimensions to be determined by testing in extreme environmental conditions. Said cylinder clamp assembly as viewed in FIG. 15 is also designed to rotate within a (connecting clamps collar assembly not shown) on the ball item 47 as viewed in FIG. 15. The cylinder clamp assembly may be manufactured by cold extrusion, and provides for end joining designs, when structural integrity of large structural members is required. The cylinder clamp design provides a method of erecting structural trusses, in an unfolded form, to be raised in place, as a fully formed truss; in various designs, with movable assembly angle braces. The cylinder clamp assembly may be hardened.

[0031] Referring now to the triangular cylinder safety support and rescue clamp 60, FIG. 18 and the triangular structural rescue assembly 10, FIG. 17. May it be noted FIG. 17 is presented as an alternate design to demonstrate a synonymous system design. There exists little virtual prior art of a single device, adaptable to irregular objects and terrain, for use in emergency rescue conditions. Accordingly, the object of this alternative structural member 10 and the triangular cylinder support and rescue assembly, is to provide a single light weight, easily erected, trustworthy tool. A rescue device to ascend or descend, with supporting hand and foot mechanism. May operate in a normal step, hand, alternating motion. Designed for alternative uses including extreme rescue operations wherein a friction brace utilizing a design for rapid or controlled descent or ascent along the alternative triangular structure member 10. A brake may be occupant-operated, 58 FIG. 

What is claimed
 1. The design calls for a structural metal member to be formed from triangular structures, made up of four elongated rectangular sheets. Each of the sheets has a long side and a short side. The triangular members are formed from a single folded elongated planar member. The two centrally joined elongated rectangular planar sheets have multiple semi-ellipsoidal indentations on each sheet. These indentations make contact with the two outside pre-formed sheets when the sheets are folded into the elongated triangular member, including three cavities extending through the member.
 2. In the structural member of claim 1, the two folded in, curved, outside elongated rectangular sheets,when joined, become an internal flexible support of the structural member and may support one or two additional sheets. The structural member of claim 1 is to be made of high tensile strength 10 steel.
 3. In the structural member of claim 2, these sheets are retrained with a solid rod extending through the center of the said elongated triangular member. This rod may be replaced by two formed elongated rectangular sheets, constituted in the said sheets as a convex and concave mating form.
 4. The structural member of claim 1 should include an inscription to protect the public from misuse of this product. The inventor is recommending an etched red color Identification bar code to be applied at the initial stage of production. The bar code should be located on the left hand side of the short side of the elongated triangular structural member and on all said joining clamps.
 5. A structural member is comprised of two elongated triangular members, made from four elongated rectangular sheets. The triangular members are formed from two folded elongated rectangular planar sheets, each sheet having a long side and a short side. The two centrally joined elongated rectangular planar sheets have multiple semi-ellipsoid indentations, running parallel to and equally spaced along the longer axis.
 6. The structural member of claim 5 has the semi-ellipsoidal indentations on one planar sheet, offset from those on the second sheet. They lay in a plane, perpendicular to the long axis, by one half the distance between the ellipsoidal centers. The center of the first ellipsoid starts and ends on the short edge of the sheet (FIG. 3).
 7. The semi-ellipsoidal indentations on the structural member of claim 6 are defined by a rotation of 35°16′ ellipsis around their long axes, and these said ellipses may have an embossed surface where the internal support sheets contact the tangent point.
 8. We have an elongated triangular structure member comprised of four elongated sheets. Each sheet has a long edge and a short edge and is joined by its long edge to another sheet. The two joined center planar sheets have numerous semi-ellipsoidal indentations, formed parallel to its long axis. The two outside sheets have a pre-formed curved surface formed parallel to its long axis. The four rectangular sheets when folded in along the long edge form an elongated triangular structural member. The four said sheets are retained in this triangular form by a stabilizing rod, extending through the member and located in the center of the said structural member.
 9. The structural member of claim 8 is comprised of three stabilizing rods extending through the structural member. They are located at the apexes of and inside of the said triangular member.
 10. The stabilizing rods in the structural member of claim 9 are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of high tensile strength steel, graphite fiber, fiberglass, or a resin composite.
 11. In this same structural member of claim 9, the rods may be pre-stressed with the structural member and crimped in place to reinforce the pre-stressed or preformed structural member.
 12. The structural member of claim 8 includes a different way of joining the longitudinal flanges of a triangular structural member 10 to the longitudinal flanges of two planar wall members at each juncture (See FIG. 9). Various other modifications may be used to create innovative low cost truss assemblies, outside and inside wall panels,and double and triple wall containment vessels. This ball lance design gives us the ability to manually disengage the surface contact of the ball lance and flanges of the planar members.
 13. The triangular joining clamp has many semi-ellipsoid indentations extending into the said triangle. The location and the depth of the semi-ellipsoidal indentations are used to position the clamp on the structural member 10 and provide for the expansion and the contraction of the assembly.
 14. The triangular joining clamp of claim 13 may have a convex or ball shaped form. This form constrains a threaded steel ball, which is used to attach two or more support braces.
 15. The triangular joining clamp of claim 13 may have alternative configurations with possible angular forms from zero to three hundred sixty degrees. It may be utilized in space structures of intricate lattice members, built up in box shaped modules.
 16. In design 48, the inside dimension of the cylinder inspection and joining clamp 42 is twenty over a thousand times larger than two times the dimension of the distance between the apex and the true center of a triangular structural member
 10. The minimum outside dimension of cylinder 42 is three times the dimension of the distance between the apex and the true center of the triangular structural member. The minimum length of cylinder 42 is five times the distance between the centers of the ellipsoidal indentations 38 and 39 of the structural member
 10. The inside dimension of cylinder 43 is ten over a thousand times larger that the outside dimension of cylinder
 42. The minimum outside dimension of cylinder 43 is four times the minimum inside dimension of the between the apex and the true center of a triangular structural member
 10. 17. The cylinder joining clamp of claim 18 may be modified to a two size reduction clamp. You may also replace the steel retainers (item 44) with hardened steel balls (Item 55), joined together by a suitable steel wire cable.
 18. The design affords an alternative way of joining together two structural members
 10. The ellipsoidal indentation (38) on the end of the structural member 10 has been modified to allow for an internal end joining locking assembly (Adapter 49).
 19. An alternative triangular cylinder safety support and rescue clamp 60 is made up of an internal cylinder 50 with a centrally located triangular form. The triangular form is thirty over a thousand times larger than the outside dimension of the apexes of the alternative safety structural member
 10. The minimum outside dimension of cylinder 50 is four times the dimension of the distance between the apex and the true center of the triangular structure member
 10. The said structural member 10 is supported within the triangular form by pin bearings
 52. Nine or more pin bearings are required for each cylinder. The pin bearings are located at right angles to the apexes of the internal triangular form and require predetermined placements. The apexes of the triangular structure member 10 slide effortless along pin bearings
 52. The minimum length of cylinder 50 is five times the distance between the centers of ellipsoidal indentations 38 and
 39. The inside dimension of cylinder 59 is ten over a thousand times larger than the outside dimension of cylinder
 50. The minimum outside dimension of cylinder 59 is six times the distance between the apex and the true center of the triangular structure member
 10. 20. The steel retaining balls are connected by a suitable wire cable. The clearance distance for the steel retaining balls shall be a minimum of fifteen over a thousand times larger than the outside diameter of the steel balls and wire cables
 55. The internal linear cam 54 is centrally located on the inside wall of cylinder
 59. The center distance of the said cams shall be equal to the distance between the centers of the ellipsoidal indentations 38 and 39 in the triangular structural safety member
 10. The linear distance the cam travels to engage the ball retainers in both directions shall be no greater than one half inch in any direction, for a total of one inch overall travel.
 21. The dead man release switch 56 unlocks the outside cylinder
 59. A light circular manual force is needed to overcome the spring return forces of the ball wire cable assembly 55 as seen in claim
 20. The length of the ring wire cable 57 shall be a minimum length so as not to be a hazard to the occupant or user. The safety ball wire cable brake 58 and the handle are centrally located. Cylinders 50 and 59 may be made of molded fiberglass, resin composites, cast bronze, or brass. 